Causes of the study of Confucian classics

The study of Confucian classics came into being not merely because Emperor Hanwu dismissed various schools of thinker and esteemed the Confucian classics, but for many other reasons concerning the political, cultural and economical causes. Politically, the feudal emperors needed theoretical authority to uphold their political dictatorship. In terms of culture, various schools of thoughts shared one feature of being unitary and exclusive of others. They all regarded their own thoughts as scriptures. Under this learning circumstance, the appearance of the study of Confucian classics was inevitable. Economical cause was due to the fact that Confucian classics took roots in the traditional society with agriculture as the core economy. Small-scale farm owners would try to defend their interests, therefore, they were glad to accept Confucian classics' enlightments.